Hi Merlin,

here is my all time favourite top 3 for raising a child:

1. Don't let your child starve
2. Don't lock your child into a dark closet all the time
3. Don't hit it with your frying pan too often...

as long as you observe these simple rules, your baby will grow up to be a great person. No kidding, this was actually written in a serious, very educational book on the subject. In hindsight I must admit, although worded strongly, it may be quite correct. So don't worry too much!

OK, efficiency at work. In the beginning making time for work is easy. Small babies, with exceptions of course, sleep a lot! Also they lie around and are immobile, so you can easily flee into your work sanctuary. Once they become mobile and especially once they are able to open doors this changes rapidly.

Tips?

1. Keep a family calendar on the fridge (sorry no iCal) with a column for every member of the household.
2. Less commitments in a day: since your daily routine can and will be interrupted you should be able to react to it.
3. Reduce your comitments as much as possible and spend as much time as possible with your child (this includes important duties like diaper changing and bottle feeding once applicable
4. Go for long strolls with the baby, it needs the fresh air and so do you
5. Take good care of your wife. Many women feel a child reduces them to a feeding and nappy changing machine. Make sure she knows that you love her as a woman as well!
6. Keep flexible work hours: children will initially sleep during nighttime and in the after lunch hours. This gives you peace and quiet for work.
7. Keep a notebook because you will forget more than usual
8. Forget hobbies, you are a parent now!
9. Read Leo Babautas blog "zenhabits". He has got 6 kids and manages to stay on top
10. Don't worry!

All the best wishes from Germany,

Klaus